【０００１】
【考案の属する技術分野】
本考案は、例えば在宅酸素療法用携帯型ボンベ等のガス容器用ヨーク弁（ヨーク締付式弁）に用いる蓋部材に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
内容積１０リッター以下の医療用ガス用容器のバルブ（容器弁）にはヨーク弁を用い、バルブのガス特定化による非互換性を確保することになっている。尚、内容積は公称であり、実際には１０リッターを超える容器もヨーク弁となる場合がある。
【０００３】
ヨーク弁は他の機器との接続用端部（接続用ねじ部）を接続冶具であるヨークに備え、このヨークをバルブ本体に締付け固定することで、バルブ本体のガス取出口に接続端部が形成され、他の機器との接続が可能となる。このヨーク弁のバルブ本体側の締付け面にはガス別に配置が異なる２個一組のピンホールが設けられる一方、このピンホールに対応する２本一組のピンがヨーク側の締付け面に設けられ、これらピンホールとピンが嵌り合うことで初めてヨークがバルブ本体に装着可能となり、容器に充填されたガスに対応する特定の機器以外の機器が接続できない仕組みになっている。
【０００４】
上記のような医療用ガス用容器のハンドル付きヨーク弁の一例を図９及び図１０に示す。図中１は金属製ボンベ、ＦＲＰ複合容器、アルミ容器等の医療用ガス用容器、２はヨーク弁のバルブ本体、３はヨークである。
【０００５】
バルブ本体２は上下端部が断面円形に形成され、かつ中間部が断面矩形に形成される胴長なバルブハウジング４を備える。このバルブハウジング４の下端部は外面におねじが形成されて容器取付部５となり、この容器取付部５を容器１の上端首部（バルブ取付部）１ａに上方からねじ込み固定することで、バルブ本体２が容器１の上端首部１ａに直立姿勢で取付けられる。バルブ本体２のガス入口６は容器１内部に臨むバルブハウジング４の下端面中心部に開口され、ガス取出口７が容器１外部のバルブハウジング４中間部一側面に水平横向きに開口される。ハンドル８は円形の摘み型に形成されてバルブハウジング４の上端から突出するスピンドル９の上端部に取付けられ、平面視でバルブハウジング４の矩形の外形内に収められている。そして、バルブハウジング４の中心でこの上端からガス取出口７高さまでに軸芯線に沿って形成する弁室１０と、この弁室１０の底面中心部に突出形成する弁座１１の中心部から下方に軸芯線に沿って延設して弁室１０とガス入口６とを連通接続するガス入口路１２と、弁室１０の底部周壁面から軸芯線に対して直角に（水平方向に）延設して弁室１０とガス取出口７とを連通接続するガス出口路１３とで、ガス入口６とガス取出口７とを連通接続させる一連の連通路が形成され、弁室１０に内装する弁体１４をハンドル８の回転操作でスピンドル９及び弁ねじ１５を介して弁座１１に対して接離させ、ガス入口６とガス取出口７との一連の連通路を連通又は遮断することで、バルブ本体２を開閉する。またガス入口路１２の途中からガス排出路１６が分岐され、ガス排出路１６の先端がガス取出口７を開口するバルブハウジング４の一側面以外の側面から外部に開放されると共に、ガス排出路１６の途中に安全弁１７が組込まれる。
【０００６】
一方、ヨーク３は内側にバルブ本体２を収容可能な平面視矩形の枠型のヨークフレーム１８を備える。このヨークフレーム１８の長手方向の内側開口幅はバルブハウジング４のガス取出口７を開口する一側面とその側面に対向する他側面間の間隔より充分に大きい寸法に形成され、ヨークフレーム１８の短手方向の内側開口幅がバルブハウジング４のガス取出口７を開口する側面と隣接する一組の対向側面間の間隔より所定のクリアランス（数ミリメートル）分だけ大きい寸法に形成される。このヨークフレーム１８は長手方向で相対向する一組の対向側縁部１９，２０の一方に他の機器との接続用ねじ部２１ａを有して接続端部を構成するニップル２１の一端部が直角にねじ込み固定され、他方にハンドル付きの押しボルト２２が直角に進退自在にねじ込まれ、これらニップル２１と押しボルト２２とがヨークフレーム１８の両側で一直線状に保持される。ニップル２１の中心にはこの軸芯に沿って一端から他端にガス取出路２３が貫通形成され、このガス取出路２３のヨークフレーム１８側の端部に口金２４がねじ込み固定され、この口金２４の先端がヨークフレーム１８のニップル取付側縁部１９の内面側に突出され、この突出端部の周囲にシール材２５が設けられる。
【０００７】
容器１の充填ガスを取出して使用する場合や容器１にガスを充填する場合、図９及び図１０に示すように、ヨークフレーム１８をバルブハウジング４の外側にこの上方から嵌込み、ヨークフレーム１８の内側にバルブハウジング４を収容し、口金２４がガス取出口７に対向する高さ位置にてヨークフレーム１８を保持し、押しボルト２２をこのハンドル２６を介してヨークフレーム１８にねじ込んで行くことで、押しボルト２２の先端がガス取出口７を開口したバルブハウジング４の一側面と対向する側面に当接し、それ以降、ヨークフレーム１８が押しボルト２２側に引寄せられ、口金２４がガス取出口７に嵌合し、パッキン２５がガス取出口７を開口したバルブハウジング４の一側面でガス取出口７の周囲に密着し、ガス取出路２３がガス取出口７に密封接続された状態で、ヨーク３がバルブ本体２に締付け固定され、バルブ本体２のガス取出口７にニップル２１が接続され、容器１に充填されたガスに対応する特定の機器との接続が可能となる。例えば、在宅酸素療法用携帯型ボンベに充填された酸素を吸引する場合、ヨーク弁のニップル２１の先端部にフレキシブルホース等を介して呼吸同調器等が接続可能となり、在宅酸素療法用携帯型ボンベに酸素を充填する場合、ヨーク弁のニップル２１の先端部に導管（銅材）等を介して酸素充填装置が接続可能となる。
【０００８】
また、ガス取出口７を開口するバルブハウジング４の一側面と対向する側面で、ガス取出口７と対向する位置には円錐形の位置決め用凹部２７が設けられる一方、ヨーク３の押しボルト２２の先端には円錐形に尖らせた位置決め凸部２８が設けられ、位置決め用凹部２７と位置決め凸部２８が嵌り合う位置決め状態で、ヨーク３をバルブ本体２に対して締付け固定することで、バルブ本体１のガス取出口７及びガス出口路１３とヨーク３のニップル２１及び押しボルト２２が同一軸芯線上で一直線状に配置され、ガス取出口７から一直線状にガス取出路２３が延出接続される適正位置に、ヨーク３がバルブ本体２に対して位置決めされ、かつその適正位置からヨーク３が位置ずれするのを防止する。
【０００９】
そして、ガス取出口７を開口するバルブハウジング４の一側面でガス取出口７の下側に、ガス取出口７の中心を中心とする同一円周上でガス別に配置を異ならせる２個一組のピンホール２９，２９が設けられる一方、口金２７を突出するヨークフレーム１８のニップル取付側縁部１９の内面で前記ピンホール２９，２９に対応する位置に２本一組のピン３０，３０が突設され、これらピンホール２９，２９とピン３０，３０が嵌り合うことで初めてヨーク３がバルブ本体２に締付け固定可能となる。例えば、在宅酸素療法用携帯型ボンベには、酸素以外のガスを扱う取出用機器や充填用機器が接続できないようになっている。
【００１０】
尚、図１１及び図１２はヨークの変形例を示し、このヨーク３Ａは平面視Ｃ形のヨークフレーム１８Ａを備えており、このヨークフレーム１８Ａの凹所の開口幅はバルブハウジング４のガス取出口７を開口する一側面とその側面に対向する側面間の間隔より若干大きい寸法に形成され、ヨークフレーム１８Ａの凹所の深さがバルブハウジング４のガス取出口７を開口する側面と隣接する一組の対向側面間の間隔より所定のクリアランス（数ミリメートル）分だけ大きい寸法に形成される。このヨークフレーム１８Ａの相対向する両端部１９Ａ，２０Ａの一方にニップル２１の一端部がねじ込み固定され、他方にノブ（ハンドル）付きの押しボルト２２が進退自在にねじ込まれ、これらニップル２１と押しボルト２２とがヨークフレーム１８Ａの両端部１９Ａ，２０Ａで一直線状に保持され、ヨークフレーム１８Ａがバルブハウジング４の外側にこの側方から嵌込み可能になっている点が、図９及び図１０に示すヨーク３と相違し、その他の構造は同じであるため、同じ番号を付してその説明を省略する。またヨーク弁は容器１内に所定の残圧を保持する残圧保持機能やガス取出口７からの逆流を防止する逆流防止機能を持たせるため、残圧保持用逆止弁をガス取出口７に設けたものがあり、この場合のガス充填用ヨーク３，３Ａには残圧保持用逆止弁を強制的に開弁する逆止解除ピンが口金２７の先端に突設される。
【００１１】
ところで、上記のような医療用ガス用容器１は一般医薬品と異なり、内容物の医療用ガスと比較して容器１が高価なため、ガスを再充填することにより繰返し使用される。従って、容器１はガス充填工場と病院等の医療機関や例えば在宅酸素療法を行っている患者宅等のガス消費者との間を往復することになる。
【００１２】
そして、容器１はガス充填工場から出荷時には封印処理が施され、容器１の未使用・使用を識別させると共に、ガス取出口７からバルブ本体１内や容器１内に雨水や塵埃が侵入するのを防止する。例えば、図１３に示すように、バルブ本体２全体に熱収縮フィルム３１を被せた後、このフィルム３１に熱を加えてバルブ本体２の外形に沿って収縮させ、ハンドル８の緩み防止も兼ねてバルブ本体２全体をシュリンク包装したり、図１４に示すように、バルブ本体２のガス取出口７を塞ぐように、バルブ本体２に直接粘着テープ３２を貼付けていた。
【００１３】
【考案が解決しようとする課題】
上記の各封印材は再使用ができないため、使用中断時や空容器１がガス消費者から回収されてガス充填工場に戻される際には、バルブ本体２のガス取出口７は開放されたままになっており、バルブ本体１内や容器１内が雨水や塵埃で汚染される虞がある。また粘着テープ３２を用いる封印処理は開封時に粘着テープ３２を綺麗に剥がすことが困難で、バルブ本体２のガス取出口７に粘着テープ３２の一部や粘着材が残り易く、バルブ本体２のガス取出口７の汚れを招くと共に、堆積した場合にはガス取出口７とガス取出路２３との接続不良の招く虞がある。さらにいずれの封印処理もその封印材の肉厚がバルブハウジング４とヨークフレーム１８，１８Ａとの間のクリアランスよりも薄く、この封印材の上からヨーク３，３Ａが装着される虞があり、この場合にはガスの供給不良を招く問題があった。
【００１４】
本考案は上記の問題点を解消し得るガス容器用ヨーク弁に用いる蓋部材を提供することを目的とする。
【００１５】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記の目的を達成するために請求項１の本考案蓋部材は、バルブ本体のガス取出口を覆うのに充分な大きさを有し、かつ所定の厚みを有すると共に、ガス取出口に嵌合する栓部を突設したことを特徴とする。
【００１６】
請求項２の本考案蓋部材は、請求項１の蓋部材を平面視コ形又はＣ形に形成し、一片の内面に上記の栓部を突設したことを特徴とする。
【００１７】
請求項３の本考案蓋部材は、請求項２の蓋部材をバルブ本体の外側にこのガス取出口側から装着し、相対向する二片でバルブ本体を挟持し、この二片を連結する残りの一片でガス取出口を覆うことを特徴とする。
【００１８】
請求項４の本考案蓋部材は、請求項２の蓋部材をバルブ本体の外側にこのガス取出口に向かって左又は右横側から装着し、バルブ本体を挟持する相対向する二片の一方でガス取出口を覆うことを特徴とする。
【００１９】
請求項５の本考案蓋部材は、請求項４におけるガス取出口を覆う一片と対向する片に、ガス取出口を開口するバルブ本体の一側面と対向する側面に設けられた位置決め用凹部に嵌合させる位置決め用突起部を設けたことを特徴とする。
【００２０】
請求項６の本考案蓋部材は、容器のバルブ取付部に一端を保持させる紐状体の他端に連結したことを特徴とする。
【００２１】
請求項７の本考案蓋部材は、請求項６における紐状体を鎖で構成すると共に、この鎖の一端に容器のバルブ取付部に対する保持具を連結したことを特徴とする。
【００２２】
請求項８の本考案蓋部材は、樹脂材料で構成することを特徴とする。
【００２３】
【考案の作用・効果】
請求項１の本考案蓋部材は、ヨーク装着時以外いつでも、栓部をバルブ本体のガス取出口に嵌合させることで、ガス取出口を開口するバルブ本体の一側面に装着でき、バルブ本体のガス取出口を覆い塞ぐことができる。このためガス充填工場からの出荷時だけでなく使用中断時及び空容器返却時にも、バルブ本体のガス取出口を覆い塞ぐことができるため、バルブ本体１内や容器１内が雨水や塵埃で汚染されるのを防止できる。また蓋部材を装着した状態ではこれが邪魔になりヨークがバルブ本体に装着できなくなるため、ガスの供給不良を防止できる。さらに蓋部材でバルブ本体のガス取出口を覆っているため、前記従来技術と異なりバルブ本体のガス取出口７に粘着テープの一部や粘着材が残り、また堆積することもなく、バルブ本体２のガス取出口７を清潔に保つことができる。
【００２４】
請求項２の本考案蓋部材は、請求項１と同様の作用・効果を有し、加えて、平面視コ形又はＣ形に形成し、バルブ本体を抱きかかえた状態で装着するため、バルブ本体に確実に装着保持できる。
【００２５】
請求項３の本考案蓋部材は、請求項２の作用・効果に加えて、相対向する二片でバルブ本体を挟持し、これら二片を連結する残りの一片もガス取出口に対する栓部の嵌合でバルブ本体に支持され、三片全てがバルブ本体を保持するため、バルブ本体に対する装着保持がより確実になる。
【００２６】
請求項４の本考案蓋部材は、請求項２の作用効果に加えて、ガス取出口を開口するバルブ本体の側面に密着する一片でガス取出口を覆うと共に、その密着力が栓部にガス取出口への嵌合力として作用するため、バルブ本体に対する装着保持がより確実になり、またガス取出口も確実に覆い塞ぐことができる。
【００２７】
請求項５の本考案蓋部材は、請求項４の作用・効果に加えて、バルブ本体に対するヨークの位置決め用凹部を利用して、バルブ本体に対する位置決めを行うため、バルブ本体に対して適正位置に位置決めした状態でより確実に装着保持できる。
【００２８】
請求項６の本考案蓋部材は、容器に紐状体によって吊下げ保持するので、紛失を防止できると共に、こまめにバルブ本体に対して着脱できて、バルブ本体や容器の防水・防塵機能を有効利用できる。
【００２９】
請求項７の本考案蓋部材は、請求項６の作用・効果に加えて、バルブ本体から取外している際、蓋部材及び鎖がこれらの重みで容器のバルブ取付部から垂下がるため、蓋部材及び鎖がバルブ本体に対するヨークの着脱作業の邪魔になるのを防止できる。
【００３０】
請求項８に記載の本考案蓋部材は、樹脂材料で構成するため、金属製の蓋部材に比べて、バルブ本体、特にガス取出口を傷つけるのを防止できると共に、バルブ本体に対する密着性や弾性を容易に確保でき、また取扱い上の安全性も確保できる。
【００３１】
【考案の実施の形態】
図１は本考案蓋部材の第１実施例を示す外観図、図２は図１の断面図、図３は本考案蓋部材の第２実施例を示す外観図、図４は図２の断面図、図５は本考案蓋部材の第３実施例を示す外観図、図６は図５の断面図、図７は第２実施例の蓋部材の変形例を示す蓋部材の外観図、図８は図７の断面図であり、これら図１乃至図８に示すヨーク弁自体は図９乃至図１４に示したヨーク弁と同じであり、同じ番号を付してその説明を省略する。
【００３２】
図１及び図２に示すように第１実施例では、バルブ本体２のガス取出口７を覆う円板形状の蓋部材３３を設けている。この蓋部材３３は樹脂材料で一体成形するもので、内面中央部にガス取出口７に圧入嵌合する栓部３４を突設し、こ栓部３４をガス取出口７に圧入嵌合させることで、蓋部材３４をガス取出口７を開口するバルブ本体２の一側面に装着保持させ、蓋部材３４でバルブ本体２のガス取出口７を覆い塞ぐように構成している。また前記蓋部材３３には容器１の上端首部１ａより少し大径の金属リングで構成する保持具３５を所定長さの金属鎖で構成する紐状体３６を介して連結してあり、この保持具３５を容器１の上端首部１ａの外側に遊嵌させておくことで、蓋部材３５を容器１の上端首部１ａに吊下げ可能に保持させるように構成している。
【００３３】
前記蓋部材３３は、ガス取出口７の直径以上でガス取出口７を開口するバルブ本体２の一側面の横幅以下の範囲内でガス取出口７を覆うのに充分な直径（大きさ）を有すると共に、ヨーク３，３Ａが上から装着できないことが見た目で容易に判断でき、かつヨーク３，３Ａが機械的にも上から装着できなくなるような所定の厚みを有する。
【００３４】
図３及び図４に示すように第２実施例では、一側方を開放した平面視コ形の蓋部材３７を設けている。この蓋部材３７も樹脂材料で一体形成するもので、蓋部材３７の相対向する二片３７ａ，３７ｂを連結する残り一片３７ｃの内面中央部に、第１実施例と同様の栓部３４を突設している。したがって、この蓋部材３７はこの開口部をガス取出口７を開口するバルブ本体２の一側面に向けた状態で、バルブ本体２の外側にこのガス取出口７側から嵌合することで、蓋部材３７の相対向する二片３７ａ，３７ｂでバルブ本体２を挟持し、残り一片３７ｃでガス取出口７を覆うと共に、その一片３７ｃの内面中央部の栓部３４がガス取出口７に圧入嵌合されてこれを塞ぐ状態で、バルブ本体１に装着保持される。またこの蓋部材３７も第１実施例と同様に保持具３５を紐状体３６を介して連結してあり、容器１の上端首部１ａに吊下げ可能に保持される。
【００３５】
図５及び図６に示すように第３実施例でも、一側方を開放した平面視コ形の蓋部材３８を設けている。この蓋部材３８も樹脂材料で一体形成するもので、蓋部材３７の相対向する二片３８ａ，３８ｂの一方の内面に第１実施例と同様の栓部３４を突設し、他方の内面にはガス取出口７を開口するバルブ本体２の一側面と対向する側面に設けられた位置決め用凹部２７に嵌合させる位置決め用突起部３９を設けている。したがって、この蓋部材３８はこの開口部をガス取出口７を開口するバルブ本体２の一側面と隣接する一組の対向側面の一方に向けた状態で、バルブ本体２の外側にこのガス取出口７に向かって左又は右横側から嵌合することで、蓋部材３８の相対向する二片３８ａ，３８ｂでバルブ本体２を挟持し、その一方の挟持片３８ａでガス取出口７を覆うと共に、その挟持片３８ｃの内面の栓部３４がガス取出口７に圧入嵌合されてこれを塞ぎ、その他方の挟持片３８ｂの内面の位置決め用突起部３９が位置決め用凹部２７に嵌合された状態で、バルブ本体１に装着保持される。またこの蓋部材３８も第１実施例と同様に保持具３５を紐状体３６を介して連結してあり、容器１の上端首部１ａに吊下げ可能に保持される。
【００３６】
尚、前記蓋部材３８を平面視Ｃ形に形成し、相対向する二片３８ａ，３８ｂの各折曲げ端部を、相対向する二片３８ａ，３８ｂを連結する残り一片３８ｃが対向するバルブ本体２の一側面と対向する側面の両端部に掛けるようにしても良い。
【００３７】
図７及び図８に示す変形例では、蓋部材４０は平面視Ｃ形に形成され、相対向する二片４０ａ，４０ｂの折曲げ端部４０ｄ，４０ｅをガス取出口７を開口するバルブ本体２の一側面と対向する側面の両端部に掛けた状態で、バルブ本体１に装着保持される点が第２実施例の平面視コ形の蓋部材３７と異なり、その他の構造は同じである。
【００３８】
容器１をガス充填工場から出荷する際、第１実施例では図１及び図２に示すように、第２実施例では図３及び図４に示すように、第３実施例では図５及び図６に示すように、第２実施例の変形例では図７及び図８に示すように、バルブ本体２に蓋部材３３，３７，３８，４０を装着し、蓋部材３３，３７，３８，４０でガス取出口７を覆い塞ぎ、容器１に封をする。容器１の充填ガスを取出して使用する際には、蓋部材３３，３７，３８，４０をバルブ本体２から取外して容器１の上端首部１ａから吊下げ保持し、ガス取出口７を開放した状態で、バルブ本体２にヨーク３，３Ａを装着し、容器１に充填されたガスに対応する特定の機器を接続する。そして、ヨーク３，３Ａをバルブ本体２から取外している使用中断時や使用後の空容器１の返却時には、再びバルブ本体２に蓋部材３３，３７，３８，４０を装着し、蓋部材３３，３７，３８，４０でガス取出口７を覆い塞ぐことができるため、バルブ本体１内や容器１内が雨水や塵埃で汚染されることはない。また閉封時には蓋部材３３，３７，３８，４０が邪魔をしてヨーク３，３Ａが誤ってバルブ本体２に装着されることもない。
【００３９】
尚、バルブ本体２に蓋部材３３，３７，３８，４０を装着した上にさらに前記従来技術のように熱収縮フィルムや粘着テープ等の封印材を用いて封印処理を施した状態で、容器１をガス充填工場から出荷しても良い。
【００４０】
第１実施例ではガス取出口７を覆う蓋部材３３の正面視の外形が円形のものを開示したが、ガス取出口７を覆うのに充分な大きさがあれば円形以外の楕円形や多角形その他デザインを施した形状に形成しても構わない。第２及び第３実施例、第２実施例の変形例でも同様に蓋部材３７，３８，４０の外縁は直線以外の曲線やその他デザインを施した形状に形成しても良い。
【００４１】
第２及び第３実施例、第２実施例の変形例の各蓋部材３７，３８，４０は、第１実施例の蓋部材３３と同様に、ガス取出口７を覆うのに充分な上下方向の幅を有すると共に、第１実施例と同様所定の厚みを有する。
【００４２】
第１乃至第３実施例、第２実施例の変形例の各蓋部材３３，３７，３８，４０はバルブ本体２、特にガス取出口７を傷つけるのを防止し、バルブ本体２に対する密着性や所定の弾性を確保し、取扱い上の安全性も確保する上で、樹脂材料で構成することが好ましいが、金属等他の材料でも良い。
【００４３】
第１及び第３実施例、第２実施例の変形例では保持具３５として容器１の上端首部１ａに遊嵌する金属リングを開示したが、容器１の上部に着脱自在に容易に取付けることができる形態のものであれば、その材質、材料、形状、大きさ、容器１に対する掛止め方法は特に問わないが、金属リングは安価にかつ容易に得られると共に、容器１対する着脱が容易に行えるため好ましい。また紐状体３６として金属鎖を開示したが、容易に破断しないものであれば、その材料や形態は特に問わないが、金属鎖は安価にかつ容易に得られると共に、その重みで蓋部材３３，３７，３８，４０をバルブ本体２に装着した際には蓋部材３３，３７，３８，４０から垂下がり他の物に引掛かかる虞がほとんどなく、一方、蓋部材３３，３７，３８，４０をバルブ本体２から取外した際には蓋部材３３，３７，３８，４０と共に容器１の上端首部１ａから垂下がるため、蓋部材３３，３７，３８，４０及び紐状体３６がバルブ本体２に対するヨーク３，３Ａの着脱作業の邪魔にならないため好ましい。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本考案蓋部材の第１実施例を示す外観図である。
【図２】図１の断面図である。
【図３】本考案蓋部材の第２実施例を示す外観図である。
【図４】図３の断面図である。
【図５】本考案蓋部材の第３実施例を示す外観図である。
【図６】図５の断面図である。
【図７】第２実施例の変形例を示す蓋部材の外観図である。
【図８】図７の断面図である。
【図９】ガス容器用ヨーク弁の断面説明図である。
【図１０】図９の平面図である。
【図１１】ヨークの変形例を示すガス容器用ヨーク弁の断面説明図である。
【図１２】図１１の平面図。
【図１３】ガス用容器の封印処理方法を示す外観図である。
【図１４】ガス用容器の他の封印処理方法を示す外観図である。
【符号の説明】
１ ガス用容器
１ａ 容器の上端首部（バルブ取付部）
２ ヨーク弁のバルブ本体
３，３Ａ ヨーク弁のヨーク
７ ガス取出口
３３，３７，３８，４０ 蓋部材
３４ 栓部
３５ 保持具
３６ 紐状体
３９ 位置決め用突起部[0001]
[Technical field to which the invention belongs]
The present invention relates to a lid member used for a yoke valve (yoke tightening type valve) for a gas container such as a portable cylinder for home oxygen therapy.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A yoke valve is used for a valve (container valve) of a medical gas container having an internal volume of 10 liters or less, and incompatibility due to gas specification of the valve is to be ensured. Note that the internal volume is nominal, and a container exceeding 10 liters may actually be a yoke valve in some cases.
[0003]
The yoke valve is provided with a connection end (connection screw portion) for connecting to another device on a yoke serving as a connection jig, and this yoke is fastened and fixed to the valve body so that the connection end is connected to the gas outlet of the valve body. It can be connected to other devices. A pair of pinholes having different arrangements for each gas are provided on a tightening surface on the valve body side of the yoke valve, and a pair of pins corresponding to the pinholes are provided on the yoke side tightening surface. When the pinholes and the pins are fitted, the yoke can be attached to the valve body for the first time, so that a device other than a specific device corresponding to the gas filled in the container cannot be connected.
[0004]
An example of a yoke valve with a handle for a medical gas container as described above is shown in FIGS. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a medical gas container such as a metal cylinder, an FRP composite container, and an aluminum container, 2 denotes a valve body of a yoke valve, and 3 denotes a yoke.
[0005]
The valve body 2 includes a long valve housing 4 whose upper and lower ends are formed in a circular cross section, and whose middle portion is formed in a rectangular cross section. The lower end portion of the valve housing 4 is formed with a screw on the outer surface to form a container mounting portion 5. The container mounting portion 5 is screwed into the upper end neck portion (valve mounting portion) 1 a of the container 1 from above to be fixed. 2 is attached to the upper end neck 1a of the container 1 in an upright posture. The gas inlet 6 of the valve body 2 is opened at the center of the lower end face of the valve housing 4 facing the inside of the container 1, and the gas outlet 7 is opened horizontally horizontally on one side of the intermediate portion of the valve housing 4 outside the container 1. The handle 8 is formed in a circular knob shape and attached to the upper end of a spindle 9 projecting from the upper end of the valve housing 4, and is housed within the rectangular outer shape of the valve housing 4 in plan view. The valve chamber 10 is formed at the center of the valve housing 4 along the axis from the upper end to the height of the gas outlet 7, and the valve chamber 11 projects downward from the center of the bottom of the valve chamber 10. A gas inlet passage 12 extending along the axis and connecting the valve chamber 10 and the gas inlet 6 to each other, and extending perpendicularly (horizontally) from the bottom peripheral wall of the valve chamber 10 to the axis. The gas outlet passage 13 that connects the valve chamber 10 and the gas outlet 7 forms a series of communication paths that connect the gas inlet 6 and the gas outlet 7 to each other. The body 14 is brought into and out of contact with the valve seat 11 via the spindle 9 and the valve screw 15 by rotating the handle 8, and a series of communication paths between the gas inlet 6 and the gas outlet 7 are communicated or cut off. The valve body 2 is opened and closed. A gas discharge passage 16 is branched from the middle of the gas inlet passage 12, and the tip of the gas discharge passage 16 is opened to the outside from a side surface other than one side surface of the valve housing 4 that opens the gas outlet 7. A safety valve 17 is incorporated in the middle of 16.
[0006]
On the other hand, the yoke 3 is provided with a rectangular frame-shaped yoke frame 18 that can accommodate the valve body 2 inside. The width of the inner opening in the longitudinal direction of the yoke frame 18 is formed to be sufficiently larger than the distance between one side opening the gas outlet 7 of the valve housing 4 and the other side opposing the side. The width of the inside opening in the hand direction is formed to be larger by a predetermined clearance (several millimeters) than the distance between the side surface opening the gas outlet 7 of the valve housing 4 and a pair of adjacent side surfaces. The yoke frame 18 has one end of a nipple 21 that has a connection thread 21a on one of a pair of opposed side edges 19 and 20 facing each other in the longitudinal direction to form a connection end. A push bolt 22 with a handle is screwed into the other at a right angle so as to freely advance and retreat, and the nipple 21 and the push bolt 22 are held in a straight line on both sides of the yoke frame 18. A gas outlet 23 is formed in the center of the nipple 21 from one end to the other end along this axis, and a base 24 is screwed and fixed to an end of the gas outlet 23 on the yoke frame 18 side. Is projected toward the inner surface of the nipple mounting side edge 19 of the yoke frame 18, and a sealing material 25 is provided around the projected end.
[0007]
When taking out and using the filling gas of the container 1 or filling the container 1 with gas, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the yoke frame 18 is fitted into the outside of the valve housing 4 from above, and the yoke frame 18 is inserted. The valve housing 4 is housed inside the housing, the base 24 holds the yoke frame 18 at a position facing the gas outlet 7, and the push bolt 22 is screwed into the yoke frame 18 via the handle 26. Then, the tip of the push bolt 22 comes into contact with the side face of the valve housing 4 having the gas outlet 7 opened, and thereafter, the yoke frame 18 is pulled toward the push bolt 22 side, and the base 24 takes out the gas. The gasket 25 is fitted to the outlet 7, the packing 25 is in close contact with the periphery of the gas outlet 7 on one side of the valve housing 4 having the gas outlet 7 opened, and the gas outlet 23 is connected to the gas outlet 23. The yoke 3 is tightly fixed to the valve body 2 in a state of being hermetically connected to the outlet 7, a nipple 21 is connected to the gas outlet 7 of the valve body 2, and a specific device corresponding to the gas filled in the container 1. Connection is possible. For example, when the oxygen filled in the home oxygen therapy portable cylinder is to be sucked, a respiratory synchronizer or the like can be connected to the distal end of the nipple 21 of the yoke valve via a flexible hose or the like. Is filled with oxygen, an oxygen filling device can be connected to the tip of the nipple 21 of the yoke valve via a conduit (copper material) or the like.
[0008]
On the side opposite to one side of the valve housing 4 that opens the gas outlet 7, a conical positioning recess 27 is provided at a position facing the gas outlet 7, while the push bolt 22 of the yoke 3 The distal end is provided with a positioning projection 28 that is sharpened in a conical shape, and the yoke 3 is tightened and fixed to the valve body 2 in a positioning state in which the positioning recess 27 and the positioning projection 28 are fitted. The gas outlet 7 and the gas outlet path 13 and the nipple 21 and the push bolt 22 of the yoke 3 are arranged in a straight line on the same axis, and the gas outlet 23 is extended and connected straight from the gas outlet 7. The yoke 3 is positioned at a proper position with respect to the valve body 2, and the yoke 3 is prevented from being displaced from the proper position.
[0009]
Then, a pair of two differently arranged on the same circumference centered on the center of the gas outlet 7 on one side of the valve housing 4 opening the gas outlet 7 and below the gas outlet 7. Are provided, and a set of two pins 30, 30 is provided at a position corresponding to the pin holes 29, 29 on the inner surface of the nipple mounting side edge 19 of the yoke frame 18 projecting the base 27. The yoke 3 can be tightened and fixed to the valve body 2 only when the pin holes 29, 29 and the pins 30, 30 are fitted. For example, a take-out device or a filling device that handles gases other than oxygen cannot be connected to a portable cylinder for home oxygen therapy.
[0010]
11 and 12 show a modification of the yoke. The yoke 3A includes a C-shaped yoke frame 18A in a plan view. The opening width of the recess of the yoke frame 18A is determined by the gas outlet of the valve housing 4. The yoke frame 18A is formed to have a depth slightly larger than the distance between one side opening the opening 7 and the side facing the side, and the depth of the recess of the yoke frame 18A is adjacent to the side opening the gas outlet 7 of the valve housing 4. It is formed to have a size larger by a predetermined clearance (several millimeters) than the interval between the opposing side surfaces of the set. One end of a nipple 21 is screwed into one of opposite ends 19A and 20A of the yoke frame 18A, and a push bolt 22 with a knob (handle) is screwed into the other end so as to advance and retreat. 9 and FIG. 10 are the points that the yoke frame 18A is held in a straight line at both ends 19A and 20A of the yoke frame 18A, and the yoke frame 18A can be fitted to the outside of the valve housing 4 from this side. Since the yoke 3 is different from the yoke 3 and has the same other structure, the same number is assigned and the description is omitted. The yoke valve has a residual pressure holding function of maintaining a predetermined residual pressure in the container 1 and a backflow preventing function of preventing backflow from the gas outlet 7. In this case, a check release pin for forcibly opening the residual pressure holding check valve is provided at the tip of the base 27 on the gas filling yokes 3 and 3A.
[0011]
By the way, since the medical gas container 1 as described above is different from general pharmaceuticals, the container 1 is more expensive than the contents of the medical gas, and is used repeatedly by refilling the gas. Therefore, the container 1 reciprocates between the gas filling factory and a medical institution such as a hospital or a gas consumer such as a patient's house performing home oxygen therapy.
[0012]
When the container 1 is shipped from the gas filling factory, the container 1 is subjected to a sealing process so that the container 1 can be identified as unused or used, and rainwater or dust can enter the valve body 1 or the container 1 from the gas outlet 7. To prevent For example, as shown in FIG. 13, after covering the entire valve body 2 with the heat-shrinkable film 31, heat is applied to the film 31 to cause the film 31 to shrink along the outer shape of the valve body 2 and also to prevent the handle 8 from being loosened. The adhesive tape 32 is directly adhered to the valve body 2 so as to shrink-wrap the entire valve body 2 or close the gas outlet 7 of the valve body 2 as shown in FIG.
[0013]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Since the above sealing materials cannot be reused, the gas outlet 7 of the valve body 2 remains open when the use is interrupted or when the empty container 1 is collected from the gas consumer and returned to the gas filling factory. Therefore, the inside of the valve body 1 and the inside of the container 1 may be contaminated with rainwater or dust. Further, in the sealing process using the adhesive tape 32, it is difficult to remove the adhesive tape 32 cleanly at the time of opening, and a part of the adhesive tape 32 and the adhesive material easily remain in the gas outlet 7 of the valve body 2, and the gas of the valve body 2 In addition to contaminating the outlet 7 and depositing the gas, the connection between the gas outlet 7 and the gas outlet 23 may be poor. Further, in any of the sealing processes, the thickness of the sealing material is smaller than the clearance between the valve housing 4 and the yoke frames 18 and 18A, and the yokes 3 and 3A may be mounted on the sealing material. In such a case, there is a problem that a gas supply failure occurs.
[0014]
An object of the present invention is to provide a lid member for a gas container yoke valve which can solve the above-mentioned problems.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the cover member of the present invention has a size sufficient to cover the gas outlet of the valve body, has a predetermined thickness, and is fitted to the gas outlet. The protruding stopper portion is provided.
[0016]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lid member according to the first aspect, wherein the lid member according to the first aspect is formed in a U-shape or a C-shape in plan view, and the plug is protruded from an inner surface of one piece.
[0017]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the lid member according to the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the lid member is attached to the outside of the valve body from the gas outlet side, the valve body is sandwiched between two opposing pieces, and the two pieces are connected. The gas outlet is covered with one piece.
[0018]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lid member according to the second aspect, wherein the lid member is attached to the outside of the valve body from the left or right side toward the gas outlet, and one of two opposed pieces that sandwich the valve body. To cover the gas outlet.
[0019]
The cover member of the present invention according to claim 5 is fitted in a positioning recess provided on a side opposite to one side of the valve body that opens the gas outlet on a piece facing the piece covering the gas outlet in claim 4. A positioning projection to be combined is provided.
[0020]
The lid member of the present invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that the lid member is connected to the other end of the string-shaped body which holds one end at the valve mounting portion of the container.
[0021]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lid member according to the sixth aspect, wherein the string-like body according to the sixth aspect is formed of a chain, and one end of the chain is connected to a holder for a valve mounting portion of the container.
[0022]
The lid member according to the present invention is characterized in that the lid member is made of a resin material.
[0023]
[Actions and effects of the invention]
The lid member according to the first aspect of the present invention can be attached to one side of the valve body that opens the gas outlet by fitting the stopper into the gas outlet of the valve body at any time other than when the yoke is attached. The gas outlet can be covered and blocked. As a result, the gas outlet of the valve body can be covered and blocked not only at the time of shipment from the gas filling factory but also at the time of use interruption and return of the empty container, so that the inside of the valve body 1 and the inside of the container 1 are contaminated with rainwater and dust. Can be prevented. In addition, when the cover member is mounted, this obstructs the yoke from being mounted on the valve body, thereby preventing gas supply failure. Further, since the gas outlet of the valve body is covered with the lid member, part of the adhesive tape and the adhesive material remain in the gas outlet 7 of the valve body unlike the related art, and the valve body 2 is not deposited. Gas outlet 7 can be kept clean.
[0024]
The lid member according to the second aspect of the present invention has the same operation and effect as those of the first aspect. In addition, the lid member is formed in a U-shape or a C-shape in plan view, and is mounted while holding the valve body. Can be securely attached to the main body.
[0025]
The lid member according to the third aspect of the present invention has the same effect as that of the second aspect, except that the valve body is sandwiched between two opposing pieces, and the other piece connecting the two pieces is also a plug for the gas outlet. The fitting is supported by the valve main body, and all three pieces hold the valve main body, so that the mounting to the valve main body is more reliably held.
[0026]
The cover member of the present invention according to claim 4 has the effect of claim 2, in which the gas outlet is covered with a piece that is in close contact with the side surface of the valve body that opens the gas outlet, and the sealing force is applied to the plug. Since it acts as a fitting force to the outlet, the mounting and holding to the valve body becomes more reliable, and the gas outlet can be reliably covered and closed.
[0027]
The lid member according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the function and effect of the fourth aspect, performs positioning with respect to the valve body by using the positioning recess of the yoke with respect to the valve body. It can be mounted and held more reliably in the positioned state.
[0028]
Since the lid member according to the present invention is suspended from the container by a cord-like body, it can be prevented from being lost and can be frequently attached to and detached from the valve body, and the waterproof / dustproof function of the valve body and the container is effective. Available.
[0029]
The lid member of the present invention according to claim 7 has, in addition to the functions and effects of claim 6, the lid member and the chain hang down from the valve mounting portion of the container with these weights when detached from the valve body. In addition, the chain can be prevented from hindering the work of attaching and detaching the yoke to and from the valve body.
[0030]
Since the lid member according to the present invention is made of a resin material, it is possible to prevent the valve body, especially the gas outlet from being damaged, as compared with the metal lid member, and to have the adhesion and the elasticity to the valve body. Can be easily secured, and safety in handling can be secured.
[0031]
[Embodiment of the invention]
1 is an external view showing a first embodiment of the lid member of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a sectional view of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is an external view showing a second embodiment of the lid member of the present invention, and FIG. 5 and 5 are external views showing a third embodiment of the lid member of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a sectional view of FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is an external view of a lid member showing a modification of the lid member of the second embodiment. 8 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 7, and the yoke valve itself shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 is the same as the yoke valve shown in FIGS. 9 to 14, and the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted.
[0032]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the first embodiment, a disk-shaped lid member 33 that covers the gas outlet 7 of the valve body 2 is provided. The lid member 33 is integrally formed of a resin material. A plug portion 34 that press-fits and fits into the gas outlet 7 is provided at the center of the inner surface, and the plug portion 34 is press-fit into the gas outlet 7. Then, the lid member 34 is mounted and held on one side surface of the valve body 2 that opens the gas outlet 7, and the lid member 34 covers the gas outlet 7 of the valve body 2. Further, a holder 35 composed of a metal ring slightly larger in diameter than the upper end neck 1a of the container 1 is connected to the lid member 33 via a cord 36 composed of a metal chain of a predetermined length. The lid member 35 is loosely fitted to the outside of the upper end neck portion 1a of the container 1 so that the lid member 35 is held on the upper end neck portion 1a of the container 1 so as to be hung.
[0033]
The cover member 33 has a diameter (size) sufficient to cover the gas outlet 7 within a range not less than the diameter of the gas outlet 7 and not more than the width of one side surface of the valve body 2 that opens the gas outlet 7. In addition, it has a predetermined thickness such that it can be easily determined visually that the yoke 3, 3A cannot be mounted from above, and the yoke 3, 3A cannot be mechanically mounted from above.
[0034]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in the second embodiment, a lid member 37 having a U-shape in a plan view with one side opened is provided. The lid member 37 is also integrally formed of a resin material, and a stopper 34 similar to that of the first embodiment is protruded at the center of the inner surface of the remaining one piece 37c connecting the two opposing pieces 37a and 37b of the lid member 37. Has been established. Therefore, the lid member 37 is fitted to the outside of the valve body 2 from the gas outlet 7 side with the opening facing the one side surface of the valve body 2 that opens the gas outlet 7, so that the lid 37 is closed. The valve body 2 is sandwiched between two opposing pieces 37a and 37b of the member 37, and the gas outlet 7 is covered with the remaining piece 37c, and the plug 34 at the center of the inner surface of the piece 37c is press-fitted into the gas outlet 7. It is mounted and held on the valve body 1 in a state where it is combined and closed. The lid member 37 is also connected to the holder 35 via a cord 36 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and is held by the upper end neck 1a of the container 1 so as to be hung.
[0035]
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, also in the third embodiment, a lid member 38 having a U-shape in a plan view with one side opened is provided. The lid member 38 is also integrally formed of a resin material, and a plug portion 34 similar to that of the first embodiment is protruded from one inner surface of two opposing pieces 38a and 38b of the lid member 37, and is formed on the other inner surface. Is provided with a positioning projection 39 that fits into a positioning recess 27 provided on a side surface of the valve body 2 that opens the gas outlet 7 and faces one side surface. Therefore, the lid member 38 is provided with the gas outlet on the outside of the valve body 2 in a state where the opening is directed to one of a pair of opposed side faces adjacent to one side face of the valve body 2 that opens the gas outlet 7. 7, the valve body 2 is sandwiched between two opposing pieces 38a, 38b of the lid member 38, and the gas outlet 7 is covered with one of the sandwiching pieces 38a. The plug 34 on the inner surface of the holding piece 38c is press-fitted into the gas outlet 7 to close it, and the positioning projection 39 on the inner surface of the other holding piece 38b is fitted in the positioning recess 27. In this state, it is mounted and held on the valve body 1. The lid member 38 is also connected to the holder 35 via a cord 36 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and is held by the upper end neck 1a of the container 1 so as to be hung.
[0036]
The lid member 38 is formed in a C-shape in plan view, and each bent end of the two opposing pieces 38a, 38b is connected to the valve body facing the other one 38c connecting the two opposing pieces 38a, 38b. 2 may be hung on both end portions of the side surface facing one side surface.
[0037]
In the modification shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the lid member 40 is formed in a C shape in plan view, and the bent ends 40 d and 40 e of the two opposing pieces 40 a and 40 b are connected to the valve body 2 that opens the gas outlet 7. The second embodiment is different from the lid member 37 of the second embodiment in that it is attached to and held by the valve body 1 in a state where it is hung on both ends of the side surface opposite to the one side surface, and the other structure is the same.
[0038]
When the container 1 is shipped from the gas filling factory, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 in the second embodiment, and FIGS. 5 and 5 in the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, in a modification of the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, lid members 33, 37, 38, and 40 are mounted on the valve body 2, and the lid members 33, 37, 38, and 40 are attached. Then, the gas outlet 7 is covered and closed, and the container 1 is sealed. When the filling gas of the container 1 is taken out and used, the lid members 33, 37, 38, and 40 are removed from the valve body 2, suspended from the upper end 1a of the container 1, and the gas outlet 7 is opened. Then, the yokes 3, 3A are mounted on the valve body 2, and a specific device corresponding to the gas filled in the container 1 is connected. When the yoke 3, 3A is removed from the valve body 2, when the use is interrupted or when the used empty container 1 is returned, the cover members 33, 37, 38, and 40 are attached to the valve body 2 again, and the cover members 33, Since the gas outlet 7 can be covered and closed by 37, 38, and 40, the inside of the valve body 1 and the inside of the container 1 are not contaminated with rainwater or dust. Further, at the time of closing, there is no possibility that the yoke 3, 3A is erroneously attached to the valve body 2 due to the obstruction of the lid members 33, 37, 38, 40.
[0039]
It is to be noted that, in a state where the lid members 33, 37, 38, and 40 are mounted on the valve body 2, and further subjected to a sealing process using a sealing material such as a heat-shrinkable film or an adhesive tape as in the above-described prior art, the container 1 May be shipped from a gas filling factory.
[0040]
In the first embodiment, the cover member 33 that covers the gas outlet 7 has a circular outer shape when viewed from the front. However, if the cover member 33 is large enough to cover the gas outlet 7, an elliptical shape other than a circle or a multi-piece may be used. It may be formed in a square or other designed shape. Similarly, in the second, third, and modified examples of the second embodiment, the outer edges of the lid members 37, 38, and 40 may be formed into a shape other than a straight line or a shape with a design.
[0041]
Like the lid member 33 of the first embodiment, each of the lid members 37, 38, and 40 of the second and third embodiments and the modification of the second embodiment has a vertical direction sufficient to cover the gas outlet 7. And a predetermined thickness as in the first embodiment.
[0042]
The lid members 33, 37, 38, and 40 of the first to third embodiments and the modified examples of the second embodiment prevent the valve body 2, especially the gas outlet 7, from being damaged. In order to ensure predetermined elasticity and to ensure safety in handling, it is preferable to use a resin material, but other materials such as metal may be used.
[0043]
In the first, third, and second embodiments, the metal ring loosely fitted to the upper end neck 1a of the container 1 is disclosed as the holder 35. However, the metal ring can be easily detachably attached to the upper portion of the container 1. The material, the material, the shape, the size, and the method of hooking the container 1 are not particularly limited as long as the metal ring can be formed, but the metal ring can be easily obtained at low cost and can be easily attached to and detached from the container 1. Therefore, it is preferable. Although a metal chain has been disclosed as the cord-like body 36, the material and form are not particularly limited as long as the metal chain is not easily broken. , 37, 38, and 40 are attached to the valve body 2, there is almost no danger of hanging from the lid members 33, 37, 38, and 40 and catching on other objects, while the lid members 33, 37, 38, and 40 are attached. Is removed from the valve body 2 together with the cover members 33, 37, 38, and 40 from the upper end neck 1a of the container 1, so that the cover members 33, 37, 38, 40 and the string-like body 36 This is preferable because it does not hinder the work of attaching and detaching the yokes 3, 3A.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external view showing a first embodiment of a lid member of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of FIG.
FIG. 3 is an external view showing a second embodiment of the lid member of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is an external view showing a third embodiment of the lid member of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is an external view of a lid member showing a modification of the second embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is an explanatory sectional view of a yoke valve for a gas container.
FIG. 10 is a plan view of FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is an explanatory sectional view of a gas container yoke valve showing a modification of the yoke.
FIG. 12 is a plan view of FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 is an external view showing a sealing method for a gas container.
FIG. 14 is an external view showing another sealing method of the gas container.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Gas container 1a Upper end neck of valve (Valve mounting part)
2 Yoke valve body 3, 3A Yoke valve yoke 7 Gas outlets 33, 37, 38, 40 Lid member 34 Plug 35 Holder 36 String 39 Positioning projection
